Green Bay Packers 7-Round Mock Draft

Boise State Broncos quarterback Grant Hedrick (9) is tackled by Brigham Young Cougars linebacker Kyle Van Noy (3). Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports photograph

Round 2: Kyle Van Noy, Outside Linebacker, BYU

This is a pick I really like for the Packers in the second round. Van Noy is a guy who could even sneak into the bottom of the first round with a good showing at the Senior Bowl and NFL Combine. If he happens to fall this far in the second round, then he is a great value pick for the Packers.

Van Noy is a very balanced linebacker. He can rush the passer. As a junior, he recorded 13 sacks rushing off the edge and was a consistent presence in pressuring the quarterback.

In 2013, Van Noy’s sack numbers declined (4), but this was in part due to some injuries nagging him throughout his senior year and in part due to the way BYU used him in their defensive scheme.

As a senior, Van Noy dropped back more in coverage and was utilized often in the middle of the field. In fact, Van Noy’s ability to cover in space is perhaps his most underrated strength. He recorded two interceptions and seven pass deflections in 2013, and showed the quickness and athleticism to cover backs and tight ends in the open field.

Van Noy has good size and speed (6-3, 245, 4.62) to play linebacker in the NFL, and his ability to both cover and rush the passer have made some scouts wonder if he would be better suited as an inside linebacker in a 3-4 defense.

The Packers could definitely use some help at the linebacker position, whether that be inside or outside. Van Noy’s versatility would give the Packers some options on defense.